Thompson double sees Hoops bounce back

Celtic began the process of bouncing back from their shock defeat by Ross County as Josh Thompson atoned for gifting Motherwell the opening goal by netting a match-winning double in a 2-1 victory.

PUBLISHED: 22:07, Tue, Apr 13, 2010

Josh Thompson [PA]

Thompson converted from two corners after his mistake led to Mark Reynolds putting the visitors in front just after the halfway mark in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash.

Celtic also had goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska to thank as they moved eight points ahead of Dundee United in their quest to secure a Champions League qualifying spot.

Zaluska saved from Lukas Jutkiewicz as Motherwell carved out the best chance of the first half and, although Celtic eventually pushed their visitors back after the opener, the Pole made further important stops.

Celtic Park looked less than half full and, although the home players were afforded a good reception, there was a low-key atmosphere as Celtic enjoyed the bulk of possession without threatening in the early stages.

Aiden McGeady saw an enterprising run foiled by Michael Fraser at the goalkeeper's near post but the visitors were enjoying their fair share of possession and came close in the 28th minute after Jutkiewicz had collected a long ball and turned Darren O'Dea.

Motherwell created an even better chance in the 33rd minute when Murphy showed good skill before releasing Jutkiewicz in the right channel, but Zaluska came out to block the striker's low shot from 15 yards.

Motherwell took the lead three minutes after the restart when Thompson could only divert Tom Hateley's free-kick into the path of Reynolds, who finished from six yards.

Thompson took just two minutes to atone though when he turned the ball into Fraser's bottom corner from 12 yards after Brown had headed down McGinn's corner.

Celtic moved ahead in the 78th minute when Lee Naylor curled a corner into the six-yard box and Thompson headed powerfully home.

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